Monday, 1 February 2016

Braces are often considered a hallmark of childhood dental
care. However, as patients age many begin to notice changes in the alignment of
their smile. While there is no single factor that can be blamed for orthodontic
relapse, there are patient behaviors as well as developmental changes that can
negate orthodontic treatment.

Some of these factors include:

Failure to Follow a
Post-Treatment Plan: One of the most common causes of relapse is the
failure to maintain follow-up treatment plan recommended by your orthodontist. Wearing
a retainer post-treatment is critical to keeping the teeth in their new
position as it reinforces the new alignment. Wisdom Teeth:
Since the wisdom teeth are the last to grow, many patients undergo orthodontic
treatment before their wisdom teeth have emerged. If these third molars are not
able to breach through the gums and become trapped in the jaw, they may develop
incorrectly and become impacted. As a result, the neighboring teeth may be
pushed out of alignment as the wisdom tooth grow, negating any prior
orthodontic or alignment therapy.

Bone Adaptation:
Successful orthodontic therapy requires the permanent adjustment of the tooth
in relation to its position in the supportive bone. Repositioning the tooth too
quickly or failing to allow the bone to reintegrate the tooth in the new
position can encourage future relapse.

Failing the Eliminate
the Original Cause: If orthodontic misalignment is the result of a poor
oral habit such as mouth breathing or thumb sucking, the cause of misalignment
must be addressed in order for treatment to be successful.

Development of
Negative Habits: As we age, we often develop additional oral habits which
can play a significant role in the relapse of an orthodontia-treated smile. The
development of bruxism, clenching, or even nail biting as a response to
stressful scenarios can cause the bite to become misaligned, leading to the
need for eventual re-treatment.

Orthodontic
Re-Treatment in Contra Costa County

At the Pleasant Hill practice of Dr. Kevin Dowd,
our team is committed to helping patients achieve optimal oral health and
aesthetics. For patients that have noticed their teeth reverting to their original
position following orthodontic treatment, our Pleasant Hill dentist offer
Realine® as a way to regain dental symmetry. For more information about this
re-treatment program, contact our practice today to schedule your consultation.